The National President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Professor Rotimi Olatunji, has congratulated the newly inaugurated executives of the association’s South-West state chapters, saying their emergence would strengthen communication scholarship, research collaboration and professional practice across the region.
Olatunji spoke at the association’s South-West virtual conference, which featured a keynote lecture on elections, conflict and security, the inauguration of state chapters and a capacity-building session on public relations measurement and evaluation (PR M&E).
The conference, themed “Elections, Conflict and Security: Reappraising the Role of Media and Communications,” brought together communication scholars, media professionals, researchers and practitioners to examine the role of the media in promoting peaceful elections, conflict management and national security.
In his goodwill message, Olatunji congratulated the association’s South-West Vice-President, newly inaugurated state coordinators and executive officers in Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, as well as members of ACSPN nationwide, for the successful organisation of the three-in-one programme.
“I heartily congratulate the Vice-President, South-West of the ACSPN, the newly inaugurated coordinators and officers of the four state chapters – Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos – the entirety of the South-West and national ACSPN, on the success of today’s three-in-one events: the keynote lecture by the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi; the inauguration of state chapters; and the empowerment series on PR measurement and evaluation.
“These events symbolise our collective commitment to promoting the ideals and noble goals of ACSPN as handed down by our founding fathers. I thank you all for your attendance and support,” he said.
The keynote lecture was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, while Olatunji attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
Moderated by the association’s South-West Vice-President, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the conference also featured a presentation by the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Olumuyiwa Popoola, during the capacity-building session on public relations measurement and evaluation.
Other discussants included the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Professor Jide Jimoh; Dr. Adeola Oyeleke of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and Dr. Jide Johnson of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos.
The speakers examined issues bordering on election communication, conflict management, media ethics, misinformation and the strategic role of communication professionals in strengthening democratic governance.
A major highlight of the conference was the inauguration of ACSPN state chapters across the South-West.
Professor Titilayo Ojo of KolaDaisi University was inaugurated as Coordinator of the Oyo State chapter, with Rotimi Agboluaje of The Guardian serving as Secretary. Dr. Adeola Oyeleke emerged as Coordinator of the Osun State chapter, while Dr. Jide Johnson was inaugurated as Coordinator of the Lagos State chapter.
The association’s National General Secretary, Mrs. Nneka Dunkwu of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, also participated in the programme.
ACSPN said the inauguration of the state chapters would deepen its presence across the South-West, strengthen collaboration among communication scholars and practitioners, promote research and mentorship, and enhance policy engagement aimed at advancing communication scholarship and professional practice in Nigeria.
